What Is a Good GRE Score for Graduate School Admissions?

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) plays a consequential role in the admission procedures of countless graduate and business programs across the globe. The standardized test is designed to gauge a student’s readiness for advanced studies by assessing their abilities in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking. However, many aspiring graduate students often have a common question, “What defines a competitive GRE score?“

Let’s explore what contributes to a strong GRE score, including the GRE score range and the average scores for each section. With this knowledge, you can establish GRE score goals that align with your goals and improve the efficacy of your preparation.

Understanding GRE Scores

According to the ETS performance statistics, the average GRE score for Quantitative reasoning is 157, Verbal reasoning is 162, and Analytical writing is 3.60.

The highest possible GRE score is 340, with the GRE total score falling between 260 and 340. GRE scores span from 130 to 170 in the multiple-choice sections, increasing in 10-point intervals. While, the essay/analytical writing score (AWA) ranges from 0.0 to 6.0, increasing in half-point increments.

GRE Score Ranges

People who complete the GRE receive three types of scores: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.

Quantitative Reasoning	130–170, in 1 point increments	162+
Subject	Score Range	Competitive GRE Score
Verbal Reasoning	130–170, in 1 point increments	157+
Analytical Writing	0–6, in half-point increments	4.5+
Multiple Choice	260-340	NA

GRE Score Percentiles

The GRE score is composed of two main components – a scaled score ranging from 130 to 170 and a percentile rank. The percentile rank is more significant than the scaled score as it indicates how your GRE scores compare to those of other test-takers. For example, if you obtain a scaled Verbal score of 150 on the GRE, it would correspond to approximately the 47th percentile.

This means that you performed better than 47% of test-takers but worse than the other 53%.

What is a Good GRE Score?

What holds greater significance is the average GRE score expected by the specific program at your desired school. You should aim to surpass this score.

The table presented below offers a useful starting point, although it’s important to remember that these are average scores encompassing all schools. The data has been taken from ETS Worldwide Test Taker.

Intended Graduate Major Field	Average Verbal Score	Average Quant Score
Business	150	156
Education	150	147
Engineering	149	160
Humanities & Arts	156	150
Life Sciences	151	151
Physical Sciences	150	160
Social & Behavorial Sciences	153	152
Other Fields	151	151
Undecided	148	154
No Major Provided/Unlisted	149	151

How Much Do GRE Scores Matter?

Aspiring graduate students often wonder about the significance of their GRE scores and how much weight universities place on them when making admission decisions. In this article, we explore the importance of GRE scores in determining eligibility, the role they play in the application process, and how they can influence your chances of getting into your desired graduate program.

1. Integral Part of the Application Process

GRE scores are a requirement for most graduate school applications in the United States and Canada. They act as a standardized metric for evaluating applicants’ academic learnings and preparedness for advanced programs and degrees, making them an essential aspect of the application process.

2. Determining Eligibility for Admission

One of the primary functions of the GRE is to assess an applicant’s eligibility for admission to graduate programs. A well-prepared candidate with a respectable GRE score stands a better chance of gaining admission to their preferred program.

3. University-Specific Cut-Offs

Universities set their own GRE score cut-offs, which vary based on the institution and the specific program. Thorough research into the requirements of each university is essential, as a higher GRE score can significantly increase an applicant’s chances of securing admission to a prestigious program or institution.

4. Program-Specific Requirements

Different graduate programs have diverse criteria for GRE scores and GPAs. Some programs prioritize high GRE scores over GPA, while others may have no minimum score requirement but mandate a minimum GPA. Understanding the specific requirements of the programs of interest is vital for tailoring an effective application strategy.

5. Influence on Program Acceptance

GRE scores can act as a substantial influence on program acceptance, especially in programs with tough requirements. Some may demand exceptionally high GRE scores, making it a crucial factor in the selection process. A strong performance in the GRE becomes a strong factor for admission in such instances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a good GRE score is one that meets the requirements of the program you want to apply to and your personal goals. The average GRE score is a 150 on Verbal and a 152.6 on Quant, with a 3.5 on Analytical Writing. However, these scores are not the only factors that determine your admission to a graduate program. Other factors such as your undergraduate GPA, work experience, and letters of recommendation also play a role in the admissions process.

It’s important to note that the GRE is just one part of your application, and it’s not the only measure of your academic potential. While a good GRE score can help you stand out from other applicants, it’s not a guarantee of admission. Ultimately, the best way to increase your chances of getting into a graduate program is to prepare a strong application that showcases your skills, experience, and passion for your field of study.